South Carolina is growing rapidly, and with that growth has come an increase in residential neighborhoods built around retention ponds, drainage canals, and stormwater systems. While these water systems are necessary for development, they have also created ideal environments for alligators to live and travel directly inside residential communities.

Families across South Carolina are now living beside open ponds and drainage systems connected to wetlands and marshlands where alligator activity continues to rise. Residents are reporting more sightings near homes, sidewalks, playgrounds, schools, walking trails, and even bus stops.

Over the last several years, South Carolina has experienced multiple serious alligator attacks and fatalities, including incidents in Hilton Head, Bluffton, Myrtle Beach, Kiawah Island, and other residential areas. Elderly residents, pet owners, and families with children are increasingly concerned about the lack of safeguards around community ponds and drainage systems.

At the same time, new developments continue to expand without consistent statewide requirements for fencing, barriers, warning signs, or alligator mitigation plans.

This petition is not about harming wildlife. It is about creating safer communities and responsible development practices that protect both residents and natural ecosystems.

We are calling on South Carolina lawmakers, developers, county officials, and homeowner associations to implement stronger safety standards for residential retention ponds and drainage systems before more preventable tragedies occur.

Documented Incidents Include:

Cassandra Cline, Hilton Head (2018)
Cynthia Covert, Kiawah Island (2020)
Nancy Becker, Bluffton (2022)
Michael Burstein, Myrtle Beach area (2022)
Holly Jenkins, Hilton Head Island (2023)

In addition to fatalities, residents across the state continue reporting:

Alligators entering neighborhoods
Pets being attacked near ponds
Increased sightings in HOA communities
Dangerous encounters near walking trails and parks